§ Mrs. RocheTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what maternity and paternity entitlements are available to employees within his Department. [27277]
§ Mr. Nelson[holding answer 8 June 1995]: Women, both full and part time, who have been in paid service with the Treasury for at least one year and who are not employed on a casual, standby or short notice appointment, nor employed on a fixed-term appointment of less than two years, are entitled to three months and one week paid maternity leave, including statutory maternity pay, on the proviso that they plan to resume duty. An additional period of up to 39 weeks' unpaid leave is also available, giving a combined total of up to 52 weeks paid and unpaid maternity leave. Staff who qualify for maternity leave as described have a right of return to work.
339WAlthough not an entitlement, staff may also be eligible to take a career break of up to five years in addition to maternity leave.
Reasonable time off is allowed for antenatal care, which is paid at the normal rate of pay.
Fathers are entitled to two days' paid paternity leave, which can be made available either at the time of the birth or in the weeks following the birth if this is more convenient to the family.